This is why many women experience constipation in early pregnancy, even before their missed period.

Other Causes Of Constipation In Early Pregnancy

Progesterone is thought to be the main culprit for constipation during the early stages of pregnancy.

There are also other factors that contribute to slowed digestion.

Many women take a prenatal supplement that contains essential minerals such as iron.

Constipation is a known side effect of taking certain forms of iron.

You’re also likely to be more tired and lethargic in early pregnancy.

This means you move less, which slows down your digestion even more.

Can I Prevent Constipation In Early Pregnancy?

Whether you hope or suspect you’re pregnant, there’s plenty you can do to prevent constipation becoming a problem.

And if constipation does happen, the same treatments used for its prevention can also act to limit its effects.

Things you can do:

Increase your fluid intake

Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your daily diet, especially those containing magnesium and potassium, which help to move food through your intestine

Exercise daily, even if you just go for a walk or a swim

Reduce or remove iron supplements. Good nutrition can usually meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Alternatively, take smaller doses of iron throughout the day.

The combination of increased fluid and fibre should help keep your stool soft enough to pass through your bowel.

When you’re pregnant, fluid intake is important. Try to drink at least 2.5 litres of water per day.

You should avoid or limit drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks; they can increase dehydration.

Exercise has a whole host of benefits during pregnancy. If you’re not very active, now is as good a time as any to start exercising.

Being active helps your digestive motility, which refers to the speed your body digests food. Moderate exercise can help. This might be walking, swimming or cycling.

Talk to your care provider about your iron needs. Not all women need iron supplements. Find out more here.

Should I Take Laxatives For Constipation In Early Pregnancy?

Have you tried all the above strategies with no relief? You could be tempted to try a laxative.

There are different kinds of laxatives, and they have different actions. The main types of laxatives are:

Bulk forming: help to reabsorb water into the bowel, increasing the size of the stool

Stool softening: make the stool easier to pass

Stimulant: speed up the movement of the stool through the intestines

Lubricant: contain a mineral oil to make the stool slippery

Osmotic: increase water in the intestines and soften the stool.

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which type of laxative is safe to use during pregnancy.

Your care provider will most likely recommend a stool softening laxative first. This makes it easier for your digestive system to pass the stool. You should increase your fluid intake at the same time.

Stimulant laxatives, such as castor oil or other mineral based oils, aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy.

Taken in extreme amounts, laxatives can over-stimulate the bowel and other organs, including the uterus. This can lead to cramping and contractions, which may cause premature labour.

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Sam McCulloch Dip CBEdCONTRIBUTOR

Sam McCulloch enjoyed talking so much about birth she decided to become a birth educator and doula, supporting parents in making informed choices about their birth experience. In her spare time she writes novels. She is mother to three beautiful little humans.

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